(diva)logues

It's time for a little Soiree...

 

SRM Stickers has teamed up with Pink Paislee this week!  They were very generous with our team & sent everyone one of their new 12x12 paper collections.  I received the Soiree line... perfect for some fun party pics (which I have quite a few of lately!).  I also added some birthday-themed SRM Stickers to my page...

 

Mini tutorial here on making your paper look like a ribbon, since I've been asked how to do it.  Simply make a couple curves in your paper, add sticky dots underneath and snip the ends like you would on a piece of ribbon.  Easy peasy...

 

I also used some of the Soiree line on my 2-page Spring Break layout posted here.  I really love the bright colors & patterns in this line.  So FUN!

You can see more design team creations here and I will be posting a couple cards I made with this line tomorrow, too! 

And speaking of "soirees"... we had another fun weekend night with friends...

 

I have no clue why people were staring at us in the bar after dinner.  We were just dancing.  A lot!  LOL!  

"Let the rain wash away all the pain of yesterday..."

 

We had a fun night out with friends on Saturday night, in spite of the 4 inches of snow we got that day.  This after wearing short sleeves just a few days earlier.  Always, always crazy weather patterns in this lovely state I call home.  I think we needed more wine on our table.  Just sayin'... LOL.   

LOTS going on here crafty-wise this weekend with Nikki Sivils.  Will elaborate on one of those things soon.  The other involves me being Nikki's "Retailer Program Coordinator."  I've been coordinating the content for the e-blasts (emails) that are sent to the retail stores.  We are getting ready to send out our 3rd monthly e-blast & Nikki has been receiving great feedback from them.  Very excited to be part of it. 

 

 

 

Does your local scrapbook store carry Nikki Sivils' products?  If not, ask them!  Stores listen for feedback from their customers.  They want to carry what you want to BUY!  

Keeping me motivated to crank out the projects this weekend is Just Can't Get Enough by the Black Eyed Peas and Coming Home by Diddy.  I downloaded it after hearing it at the Y while I was running.  It actually made me run faster.  First song I ever purchased by him...  not usually a fan of Diddy, P.Diddy, Puff Daddy, Puff, Sean, what-ever-his-name-is-now.  Heard it on American Idol when he was a guest star a few weeks ago & forgot about it until I heard it again on Friday.  Pretty sure I played it about 100 times since then.  Well, both of them.  I do that.  Much to Bob & Bryn's dismay...

Happy Monday! 

Feelin' lucky...

 

Having lots of fun this week, minus the major food allergy reaction Bryn had on Tuesday.  Not only did she throw up about a 1/2 hour after eating... which was good, she broke out in MAJOR hives like I haven't seen since she was a baby... not good.  Scary.  I so wish she didn't have to deal with that. 

 

 

Aside from that, the weather has been hot & sunny, the food has been good, we've been running outside, we've been able to see my friend, Sally, & even got to meet Toni for the first time on this trip after knowing each other from "blog land" for a couple years.  Met her & Julie for lunch on Wednesday... so fun!

 

 

We're putting on our green today and heading out to celebrate!  I hope you have a HAPPY St Patrick's Day, too!

Spring Training...

 

Had fun taking in a Giants vs. Brewers Spring Training game.  Gotta love 80 degree weather, especially when you've heard that 4 inches of unpredicted snow hit the ground at home. 

With any luck we can bring this sunny weather back with us...

"Let me introduce you... to my party people..."

 

Had a FUN weekend... or rather a fun Friday night anyway!  On Saturday night, I was in bed by 10:00 to make up for the lack of sleep the night before.  Anyway... Friday night was the first of many going-away parties for my friends that are moving to Dallas this summer.  We are starting now with the going away parties, since her husband has to move & start working there now.  Going to miss them... :-(

 

On a creative note... I have finally accepted an invitation to Pinterest.  I've had the email in my inbox for a couple weeks now & was reluctant to join.  Just what I need... another time-waster.  But I joined.  And I'm already pretty sure it's going to be a major time-waster.  SO. MUCH. INSPIRATION.  Also a one-stop place to store all the images that inspire me, rather than filling up the photo space stored on my computer like I do now.  You can find me here.  Let me know if you'd like an invite.  I think if you join by invite, you're on right away.  I've heard that if you join on your own, it's takes a couple weeks before your account is established.  Is that correct? 

 
We've already been to church today, ran 4 miles, ate lunch & am now waiting for my friend to come over and sell me her Cricut machine + the DoodleCharms cartridge for a really great price!  I'm so excited she asked me, as I'd been thinking for awhile now about buying one.  Like... every time I see my friend, Jing-Jing, post another amazing project using her Cricut.  In fact, I just went looking for a couple of my favorite projects of hers & she has like 50 "out for publication" signs up so I couldn't find it.  You GO, girl!  Anyway, back to the Cricut... I also just ordered the CreateACritter cartidge on sale for $21.95 to use with it.  I don't even know how to use it yet & I'm already buying cartidges for it!  LOL!  So excited! 

Plan to see lots of Cricut creations here soon... just sayin'!  ;-)

Random, random, random...

 

I have been laughing out loud for days.  Have you seen someecards yet?  My sister told me about the site and it is HILARIOUS.  I'm especially loving the apology cards.  Sooooo FUNNY!  If only I knew enough people I could send these to without them being completely insulted.  If only I could send these to people and INTEND to insult them!  LOL! 

We went to see Bryn's mask in the art gallery last weekend.  The gallery was filled with African-themed projects from the elementary schools in Bryn's district, for the "Celebrate Black History Art Show."  She was one of only 10 projects chosen from her school.  She made a clay mask & it had lots of long raffia attached for the "hair..."  

 

 

Did you see this post on the Nikki Sivils' blog?  There's a HUGE Cuttlebug giveaway going on, along with the brand new "It's Your Day" line! 

 

 

Looking forward to a quick Spring Break trip here...

 

... and packing my new Bombshell swimsuit... the new suit with the extra padding on top.  My top won't be quite as filled out as the model's though... ;-)

 

My finger is slooooowly healing.  I bumped it on my leg when I was jumping around in Zumba today & may have yelled an expletive. 

And speaking of a debaucherous weekend... I'm looking forward to our dinner out with friends tomorrow night.  There will be much craziness and laughter for sure!  

Off to work on my next tutorial.  And then I think I better start cleaning the house.  Although I'd REALLY like to hire someone to do that for me.  Maybe some day...

Happy Anniversary?

 

Had a really FUN weekend... especially on "date night!"  Had a great dinner at Copia... calamari, salads, seared ahi for me & ribs for Bob + a very chocolatey dessert.  We were planning to move on from there to listen to a band, but opted to make it an early night instead as we'd done a bit too much partying the night before.  So we headed to our hotel after dinner.  When Bob booked our room several weeks ago, they asked if we were celebrating anything.  Bob said, "Well, we're celebrating that it's date night."  She said, "Ok, well I'm just going to tell them it's your anniversary."  So when we had checked in before dinner, the lady at the front desk said, "Oh and I see it's your anniversary.  Happy anniversary!"  We both said, "Oh, thank you!" 

We weren't back in our room a half hour after dinner when there was a knock on the door.  Bob answered it & the guy said, "I have your amenities for you."  Bob walked back in with a tray... a big platter of fruit, cheese & crackers, a box of chocolates, a wine bottle-shaped chocolate topped with whipped cream AND a bottle of champagne with 2 glasses!  There was also a card with a little note wishing us a happy anniversary & thanking us for spending it with them.  It was pretty cool, I must say!  Only problem was, we'd just had a huge dinner AND dessert and didn't need anything else... so we ate some of the fruit in the morning, took the box of chocolates home & gave the bottle of champagne to my mom when we picked up Bryn! 

 

I'm thinking we might be celebrating our anniversary more often... ;-)

Happy Monday! 

Workin(out) 9 to 5, what a way to make a livin'...

 

Had a blast last night going out to dinner & then to see the show "9 to 5!"  Always a lot of laughs when I'm with those two.  We intended to go to Mangia, since Marci had a Groupon for that restaurant, but when we got there it was closed.  Some people passing by said they were renovating it.  So... we walked down Grand & ended up at Cafe Natasha's.  The food was decent, but the wine list stunk.  So Marci & I got one of their special martinis.  Mine was pomagranate & Marci's was cherry.  My mom stuck with wine & had a flea attacking her for it the entire dinner.  And even though Marci forgot to bring the tickets with us, we had ended dinner early for once & had time to run back to her house and still get to the show right at 8pm.  It was a funny show and Diana Digarmo (from a past season on American Idol) did a FABULOUS job in Dolly Parton's role that she played in the movie.  Her imitation of Dolly's voice was spot-on!  Amazing! 

We have a BUSY weekend ahead of us beginning today!  I have lunch with the girls, some errands to run & a hair cut this afternoon.  Tomorrow Bryn is headed to my parent's house with her cousin for some fun in the afternoon PLUS a sleep-over, so that means that Bob & I have "date night" Downtown including our own sleep-over at a hotel!  Looking forward to going to a restaurant that we haven't been back to since some idiot disgruntled employee tried to torch the place & they had to renovate.   Then we have a birthday party lunch to attend in Illinois on Sunday & my dad's birthday dinner to attend on Sunday night!  No crafting for me this weekend, but there will be some photos taken.  ;-) 

Hope YOUR weekend is FABULOUS!   

"Can you pay my automo'bills... then maybe we can chill..."

What a FUN weekend!  Had "Girls Night" on Friday, including happy hour + the movie "The Roommate..."

 

Woke up to 3 more inches of snow on the ground on Satuday.  Had a little creative time with the January HIP 2B SQUARE kit & "game night" with Bob & Bryn, that didn't end when Bryn went to bed that night.  Bob & I decided to stay up too late playing the "80's Game."  I won... ahem.

Last night we went to a friend's house for a Super Bowl party.  LOVED the half-time show.  Could've cared less about the rest of the game, but yay for the Packers.  Or actually yay for the chicken wings... since really I was just there to eat & hang out with friends!   

 

Love those girls!

Had a little more time with my HIP kit tonight, too...

 

It's a FABULOUS kit this month.  Check out all the details here to get one of your own.

GLEE rocked as always!  Oh and did you know we're supposed to get more snow this week?  Can't wait! 

Or not...

Only 1 more day until Christmas break is over...

 

... and honestly we've been so busy these past 2 weeks, I don't think Bryn's had a chance to get bored.  Although, I have a couple projects to complete for Nikki Sivils' booth at CHA, so I'm thinking tomorrow might need to be a boring day for her... well... after she goes to the Y with me in the morning, that is.  I'm not getting creative until I work out.  First things first!

This afternoon we went to see the movie "Tangled" after hearing many, many good things about it from all my friends that saw it with their kids.  I almost needed some kleenex at one point, but managed to keep it together with my makeup still intact.  Then we went to Target so Bryn could spend some of her gift card from Christmas.  She left with a play cell phone... because she needed another one of those... and a recorder.  Have you heard of those instruments?  They sound like a flute, but look similar to a clarinet.  They weren't around when I was in school but apparently they're all the rage right now.  And according to Bryn she's going to have the opportunity to learn to play one at school coming up this semester.  So she thought it would be a great idea to learn it on her own before then. 

I, on the other hand, have been working on perfecting my "deaf ear."  So far though, I'm not having much luck tuning her out...

Happy 1-1-11...

 

11 random things about our New Year's Eve...

1. I liked the song Peacock until I heard it 25 times in a row last night.
2. Never trust a Japanese restaurant that says they can give you reservations for New Years Eve.   
3. The pub across the street will work... especially when a stranger decides to pick up the tab for your entire table of 13 people eating dinner & having drinks. 
4. Exceptions can be made on the BYOB policy.
5. Serve the food... wipe the chin.
6. Everyone say hello to Ken!  And no, he's not the one who paid for our food.
7. When you grow up in South County, you will always find yourself meeting a friend of a friend.
8. Love that the kids enjoyed a party of their own... including a babysitter for a couple hours.
9. Lipstick doesn't always have to stay in the lines... or was it ketchup?
10. Ummm... Snooki for NYE was the best they could get? 
11. I ♥ my beautiful & hilarious friends.  What a fabulously FUN night!  I am still laughing...

Ready to ring in the new year...

Had a great time last night seeing Trans Siberain Orchestra with my family, plus a yummy dinner before the concert.  They put on an amazing show.  If you ever get the chance to see them... GO!

 

 

 

 

 

It's been a crazy day so far.  We had the tornado sirens sounding around 11am... right before we were getting ready to leave for Bryn's haircut at Noon.  It appeared that we were in the clear  so we took off, but were driving in such a downpour of rain that I could barely see in front of me to drive.  From there we went to run a few errands, stopped at Starbucks and somehow managed to have an explosion of my Decaf Soy Latte ALL.OVER.THE.CAR. right after I bought it.  Sat in the parking lot for the next 10 minutes cleaning me, the seat, the dashboard... umm everything but Bryn was hit I think.  Ran back home to change clothes & finished up our errands.  I still smell like coffee.  Yuck. 

Will be showering soon though because we have some celebrating to do tonight!  We'll be ringing in 2011 with friends... really good friends... that never cease to put a smile on my face.  Smiling just thinking about it.  I'm SO looking forward to it!

Happy New Year everyone!  I hope 2011 is a happy, healthy & prosperous year for you!

XOXO...

More HIPness from October...

Yesterday I posted all the layouts I made using the October HIP 2B SQUARE kit.  You can see them here if you missed it.  Today it's a few more things I created with kit! 

Here's a couple more little treat boxes I made using Carole's tutorial.  Will definitely be making lots of these!  I just gave one of the Halloween treat boxes I made a couple weeks ago, to Bryn's teacher.  It was filled with candy corn + a Starbucks gift card.  If you missed those, you can find them here, along with a link to Carole's tutorial.

 

... and a couple cards...

 

Did a little more machine-stitched paper pleating on this one...

 

I made a couple more cards with this month's kit for other assignments.  Will be posting those soon!  Go here for more information on this month's kit or to find out how to join the HIP 2B SQUARE kit club!

Just returned from a quick weekend in Scottsdale.  Bryn had a 1/2 day of school on Thursday + no school on Friday, so we flew out right after school on Wednesday.  Just did a few of our favorite things while there & we were also able to see my friends, Sally & family and Julie & family...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had a GREAT time!  It could've been a longer trip, but there's always next time... 

Our Saturday is...

 

• Waking up early today to do Zumba, work-out & run
• Shower & go back to the Y for Bryn's volleyball games beginning at Noon
• Pass out little home-made treat bags to all the girls on the team

  

• Eat a quick lunch
• Drop Bryn off at a friend's birthday party
• Run some errands while she's gone... (For instance...Bob surprised me with an iPad last night, so we went to Best Buy to buy a cover for it... then stopped at Target to pick up some other random things we needed)
• Pick up Bryn from birthday party
• Pick up chicken wings for dinner to eat with the salad that I already made
• Start on the pumpkin using Bryn's hand-drawn template of Patrick (and can I just mention that she did NOT trace this... she drew Patrick from her memory... wasn't even looking at an image of him.  And YES, I am impressed, as usual!)

  

• Watch the Mizzou vs. Oklahoma game... Mizzou's homecoming.  GO MIZZOU!
• Open wine & make popcorn

Life is good...

Sketch #58...

I'm very happy to announce that I was asked to be the guest designer for Inspired Blueprints!  I was quite honored when Jennifer asked me, as I'm aways inspired by her fun, colorful, happy pages!  If you're not already following her, you can check out her blog here!  She also designs for Nikki Sivils! 

The sketch they provided was a FUN one & here's what I did with it...   

 

 

 

Check out Inspired Blueprints to see what all the designers did with this sketch!  

 

Our "date night" was fun!  Bryn went to the circus with her cousin & my parents yesterday & then spent the night at their house.  So Bob & I started off our date with an afternoon movie... "The Social Network."  Great movie... we both enjoyed it!  I finally got to wear my new shoes I bought in Austria, too.  They made me quite tall...  ;-)

 

Then on our way to the hotel, we stopped at Starbucks & sat there for a little while before checking in.

  

We changed clothes & headed off to a yummy dinner at Oceano Bistro.  Afterward we drove down the street to Araka for a glass of wine.  Still not quite ready to go back to the hotel, we moved across the street to the Ritz for dessert.  They had a band playing & some people were dancing.  No dancing for us, though.  We were way too interested in our brownie & ice cream to be bothered by that... LOL. 

 

The best part was that the hotel was only a couple blocks away.  Love not having to drive home.  It was a FUN night & we always enjoy spending time together! 

What's happenin'...

Just a few of the many things going on in our world lately...

• Running for Student Council (and not getting enough votes to make it, causing disappointment & a few tears)...

 

• Lots of volleyball (& winning 2 of the 3 games we play EVERY week... so far, so good!)...

 

• And quite a few dance club activities (like weekly practices at 8am, a homecoming parade & a Cardinals game)...

 

• My niece receiving the "Do The Right Thing" award today for being a heroic 9-year old (& she'll be on the Channel 4, 6pm news tonight)...

 

 

• Helping with homework, working-out, running errands, thinking about cleaning the house to prepare for guests this weekend & creating lots of stuff that I will eventually be able to post.  But for now, a birthday card...

 

Come back tomorrow for the SRM Stickers Halloween Blog Hop! 

I ♥ stamping onto patterned paper. Now if only I had tiny fingers & tiny scissors...

 

Another example of my new stamping obsession.  All I can say is, at least I'm putting a few of the too-many-to-count stamps that I have, to good use.  I'm also happy to say that my girls look a little less jaundiced than some of my other Copic creations.  You'll get to see one example of jaundiced skin on Saturday (aka. "World Card Making Day.") 

Went out to lunch with my friends today!  The weather was beautiful and we were able to sit outside on their patio.  Love when that happens.  My lunch was yummy too... cornmeal encrusted trout, green beans & sauteed brussel  sprouts.  And yes, I know what you're thinking... brussel sprouts?  Trust me.  These are AMAZING.  I think I could eat them every day.  Need to figure out how to work that out.  Heehee.  Thanks again, Christa, for lunch! 

A HIP way to use your ribbon scraps...

Yesterday, I had a tutorial posted on the HIP 2B SQUARE blog involving this card.  You can check it out here!

 

Last Friday night, while I was out with the girls, Bob took Bryn to the annual Hot Air Balloon Glow.  It happens every year on the night before the Hot Air Balloon Race!  The "Glow" is when all the balloons ignite their fires (causing a glow) after dark.  Bob & Bryn both said it was really cool.  They also said there were SO many people there, which meant a VERY long walk from where they finally parked the car.  I only wish they would've had my camera with them... only Bob's work camera.  But I'll use these... oh yes I will!

 

 

Even though I had a great time with the girls... I SO wish I could've joined those two!

OH, how I love a party with a theme...

... especially when the theme involves wearing some bling...

    
 
Just one of the many photos from Teresa's "jeans + bling" birthday party last night.  I didn't have my camera with me, but there were a few on hand to capture the fun.  There were a lot of girls there from the Y and we had a great time celebrating with appetizers, wine & red velvet cake!  And a few of us die-hards made it up to the Y this morning for a work-out!  

Going to the Y again in a bit for Bryn's volleyball game & looking forward to seeing my sister there.  We'll be catching dinner with her afterward.  Perhaps Cheesecake Factory?  ;-) 

Just the girls...

Our mini Girl's Day Out on Bryn's first "early release day" was lots of FUN!  Bob was amused when he said to Bryn yesterday morning, "You sure are dressed up for school."  She said, "Well, Daddy, it IS Girls Day Out after school today."  I mean, duh... have to be fasionable for that, right?!  LOL!  The girl cracks me up.  Our afternoon began with an appointment at the nail salon... manicure for Bryn, pedicure for me.  I think she was excited and amazed when she was asked to pick out her nail color after we signed in.

She asked for some flowers on her nails & ended up with a pretty cool design on 2 of her fingers.  (Cool for little girls but I'm more of a plain polish girl myself).  And only on my toes... finger nails are always clear. 

Stopped & got her some french fries + an orange soda for a treat afterward...

Next stop was Michaels, armed with my 50% off coupon.  All their punches are on sale this week 40% off, too.  Sooo... I picked up another border punch.  Clearly, one can never have too many of those.  Then we went to Charming Charlies.  I needed a couple cute girly gifts and that's the perfect place to find something!  We ran through the grocery store on the way home, had an early dinner & then took off for volleyball practice.  Bryn enjoyed her day (& so did I!)

On Monday, SRM Stickers is featuring their calendars.  I, along with a few other designers, tackled one.  It took me a few days to complete it, but I finished it... my first hand-made calendar.  Here's a sneak...  

Come back on Monday for all 12 months & stickers GALORE! 

This weekend is the annual Hot Air Balloon Race.  Tomorrow is the actual race, but tonight is the Balloon Glow... when they inflate all the balloons, lighted by their burners.  It's supposed to be quite a site, but we've never made it to this part of the event... only to the actual race day.  Bob's going to take Bryn to see all the action tonight, while I'm out with the girls!  I'm hoping he can get a few decent photographs.  It will certainly be a great place to take pictures!  Future page in the works! 

Hope you have a FABULOUS weekend! 

Remember my "I ♥ Bloglines" page?

Well, I do not love them anymore.  I just found out over the weekend that effective October 1st, they are closing shop.  Suffice it to say that I'm still in the process of transferring 193 blogs on my blogroll to Google Reader now.  So not cool & such a pain in the bootie. 

Yes, I know, there are worse things in life.  Moving on...

We had a busy weekend:

• Friday night, the 3 of us went out to dinner.  I had grilled salmon & lots of veggies.  Yummo.
• Saturday morning I got up early to run 3 miles at the Y.  Then I did 1/2 of my Zumba class before running across the hall for Bryn's volleyball games.  I was a sweaty mess for the games, but glad to have my work-out over before they got started.
• Her team won 2 of the 3 games they played.  Yay team! 
• We stayed home on Saturday night.  Bob grilled some salmon on the BBQ & I made a big salad to go with it.  Bryn also ate some linguini with her dinner.  She wore my shoes & necklace to set the table.  The girl loves to raid my closet. 

• Game Night began shortly after dinner.  Evidently we didn't eat enough dinner either, because we proceeded to make & eat 3 bowls of popcorn, while having some wine & playing the kids version of Sequence. 

 

• Bryn went to bed around 8ish & then I followed her lead & went to bed at 8:30.  I cannot remember the last time I went to bed THAT early, but it was nice to get almost 11 hours of sleep for once. 
• Got up early on Sunday morning & ran 3 1/2 miles on the treadmill, while Bob ran outside because we had plans to go visit his dad.  We brought lunch & got to visit with him for a few hours.

 

Don't ask me why she wanted to wear her Easter dress with white sandals today.  I have no answer for that.   

• We stopped at Target & Whole Foods on the way home.  We all grabbed random things from the deli area for dinner and ate when we got home.  It was only 4:30, but for some reason we were all really hungry.  Just a long day, I think. 
• Bryn did a little studying for some upcoming tests & I think she has finally mastered her times tables.  Yay Bryn!
• I finished up a layout after she went to bed, attempted to add some more blogs to Google Reader & made the cover to my Austria album.  We'll see if it goes any further than the cover. 

Bryn left for Dance Club early today & I am off to Spin class.  Then it's back home to get creative and maybe just a little bit of house cleaning.  A very little bit...

Cardinals Care Run Home For Kids 6K...

We got up early on Sunday morning to drive Bob downtown.  He ran in the Cardinals Care Run Home for Kids 6K race.  6 kilometers is about 3.7 miles. 

The race paid tribute to Stan Musial’s legacy, promoted health and fitness, and served as a major fundraiser for the team’s community fund, Cardinals Care.  Each runner was required to commit to a fundraising goal of $150. 

Cardinal legend, Lou Brock, was the master of ceremonies & kicked off the race...

Fred Bird was all over the place.  Bryn loved that!

 

The race began at the Stan Musial statue right outside Busch Stadium...

As soon as Bob took off, Bryn & I went into the stadium to get a front row seat, as the finish line was home plate...

The runners finished up the last leg of the race by running into one of the gates on the other side of the stadium.  I was watching the time on my watch because I knew approximately when to expect Bob & sure enough, we saw him run in the gate right on time!

Fred Bird greeted the runners as they ran across the finish line...

The first thing Bob said was, "It was really HOT out there."

I'm not sure what I was thinking, but I really should've worn one of my Cardinals t-shirts to the race.  I think it was too early & I was still half asleep or something.  Bryn, of course, was all decked out... she's always stylin'!

Bob finished 54th overall & FIRST place in his age division with a time of 31:32!  SO proud of him!  And DANG he's running fast these days!  I need kick up the training so I can keep up with that boy! 

Hooray for flag banners (and dessert)...

   

Today is my day to post over at the Nikki Sivils blog.  You can see this card, along with several other projects, using lots of flag banners (and punches, for that matter!)  Head over there to check it out if you have time today! 

Date night was fun!  It was utterly gluttonous, but we went home happy, as always...

After having seafood ceviche for an appetizer, salads, risotto for Bob & a grilled tuna for me... we moved on to Baileys Chocolate Bar for dessert and had, what we both decided, was the BEST dessert of our whole life.

And I quote from the menu:  "Carmelized banana, Baileys, chocolate & vanilla ice creams, nuts, homemade chocolate & caramel sauces, whipped cream... on top of a brownie.  Not for the faint of heart."  It cost $14 and was enough to feed an army (or... just Bob & me).  And seriously, it was gluttonous... like enough dessert for 2 days.  But damn, it was good.  Thank goodness we don't live very close...

 

Off to the Y.  You KNOW I'm headed there after that feast!  Have a GREAT weekend!  I hope yours is full of a few sweet treats, too!

Hello friends...

Bryn came home around Noon on Saturday after a long & fun 4 nights at the lake with my parents & her cousin.  We picked her up from my parent's house, stopped at Whole Foods to eat lunch & then do a little grocery shopping (or, well, a lot of grocery shopping... over an hour later!) and then headed back home to get her unpacked.  When she walked in, she noticed a box on the kitchen table with this card I made for her on top of it.  The box had the pair of running shoes she'd been eyeing for awhile now.  I bought them while she was gone because I had a 50% off raincheck + it was the "no sales tax weekend" here.  A pair of Nike's for $20 is a pretty good deal! 

I managed to finish up 3 new layouts with the July HIP 2B Square kit.  Will post everything as soon I as I finish the 2-page sketch we were asked to use + I still need to make a couple cards.  Then I also need to make a mini book with the Maya Road Large Tag Coaster book that was included in the add-on kit.  Not exactly sure yet what the theme of the book will be... CHA photos perhaps?   Hmmm...

 

Bryn & I went to Petland today.  She had gone with some neighbor friends a couple weeks ago & loved it.  When I asked if she wanted to go today, she literally ran in the room, jumped in my arms & yelled, "YES!  THANK YOU!  YES, YES, YES!"  Ok then... gotta love that response!  They have small booths where you can sit & play with the animals.  So, after holding a hamster shortly after we arrived, we proceeded to hold & play with 5 different dogs.  She was in heaven...

Although the heaven part was soured by the time we left (over an hour later) because she had hives on her arms & legs, where one of the dogs had been licking her.  She's allergic to dogs & cats, but knowing Bryn... even in her misery... she was still happy & would go back again in a heart-beat!  Needless to say, we both showered when we got home & I gave her some Benadryl.  She'll be getting sleepy early tonight now, I'm sure!  Poor baby...

Have a great week!  

Double date night...

Last night was fun!  We checked into our hotel about an hour & 1/2 before our dinner reservations, so we just grabbed a glass of wine at the hotel bar before heading out for dinner...

We talked to Bryn on the way to the hotel & she told us about her day at Silver Dollar City.  I've only been there once & I was about 13 years old, I think.  I'm sure it's changed quite a bit since then.  She had lots of fun, though, riding roller coasters, playing games, eating, etc.  We're missing her!   

Dinner was only 2 blocks away from the hotel.  It took longer to get out of the parking garage, than it did to drive there.  And yes, we actually drove only 2 blocks.  The temperature was 102 degrees.  I told Bob I didn't want to arrive at the restaurant sweating like a pig.  The sweating-like-a-pig look is only cute if you're working out, not when you're dining at a nice restaurant.  We met my sister & her boyfriend for dinner at Araka.  Always a lot of laughs when we're together & always the question, "Are you sisters?"  Yes.  "Are you twins?"  No.  

Went next door to the Ritz for dessert (on foot this time).  Bob & I split a brownie topped with vanilla ice cream.  It was pretty good, but not as good as the one at Bailey's Chocolate Bar.  Must go to Baileys again SOON.  It was a fun night though.  I don't get to see her enough, so we always have a lot of catching up to do.  I think we've determined that the 4 of us are going to run in the St Louis Marathon next year as a relay team.  6-7 miles I can do.  It's the 13.1 miles that I can't wrap my mind around running again (anytime soon, anyway!)   

We got up this morning & went down to the work-out room to run on the treadmill.  Thankfully the head-ache I woke up with (wine-induced, I'm sure) went away after running.  We made a few stops on the way home... wanted to return a dress I ordered & didn't like,  stopped at Target & then picked up Cheesecake Factory to-go for lunch.  Bob's at an appointment with a client right now, but then coming back home for the day.  He essentially took the day off! 

Now... where to have dinner on our 3rd date night?  A girl could get used to this...  

My weekend recap...

My weekend was spent like this...

• About an hour at the subdivision pool + a rainbow snow cone from the snow cone truck...

 

(I love when I forget to bring my camera & only have my cell phone.  I also loved that it was 99 degrees + 105 degrees heat index.  Thus, the one hour-ish time frame.  Yucky.)

• Zumba class + running
• A little time to create with the new Blueberry Hill line from Nikki Sivils...

• And some time creating a card with the Baby Sticker Sentiments from SRM Stickers...

 

• Watching Bryn's excitement about finally receiving her birthday present ordered at the end of May, that was on backorder until now.  She named them "Jack & Annie," after the characters in the Magic Tree House books...

   

(Always a messy face when eating.  I suppose she'll outgrow that some day?)

• Games + some popcorn...

• Seeing the movie Ramona & Beezus with Bryn & her friend...

(Am I the only one who cries at kid's movies?)  

• Packing for CHA.  You know, important things like my SRM Stickers projects, my camera & comfortable walking shoes...

• Picking a winner for my SRM Stickers giveaway!

 

Newbie here...I am looking forward to our family vacation to Branson. I have not been in almost 10 years.

Posted by: Michele Marshall | July 23, 2010 at 03:17 PM

Michele Marshall... email me with your address & I'll send out your stickers! 

 I hope you all had a GREAT weekend! 

Auf wieidersehen Vienna...

What a great week in Vienna!   It was a major TREK to get there AND to get home, but we're finally back.  We got home Wednesday night at 11:30pm after 3 flights, a 7-hour time difference & being awake for 20 hours.  I think Bryn was sleep-walking off the plane... she doesn't remember any of our 3rd flight from Chicago back home.  I took almost 200 photos in the past week.  I probably could've taken a lot more... but they're scrap-worthy anyway. 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

And just as I'd hoped... I returned to 3 packages on the front porch!  Inspite of my bleary eyes & draggin' butt... I managed to finish 3 pages yesterday... one of them a 2-pager.  Off to the Y for my interval class & then back to the craft room.  Everything has to be boxed up & mailed off on Monday for CHA... so I have a LOT to accomplish!  Send inspiring vibes please... ;-)

Have a great weekend! 

All good things must come to an end...

For the SRM blog hop... go here!

 

Heading back home today to scrap LOTS of new photos from a very FUN week with our friends.  Then on Monday, my first ART CAMP for kids begins!  

Also... I had one of my Father's Day cards featured on the CARDS blog yesterday!  Looking forward to seeing my first card published in the August issue of their magazine, too! 

Hope you're enjoying your weekend!

Fun in the Scottsdale sun...

  

   

  

 

  

 

Having LOTS of FUN with my girlfriends & our families... and the week is only half over.  More to come! 

My friends know me too well...

 

I'm beginning to wonder how much blogging I'll actually be able to do this summer.  We're only one week into it and between birthday celebrations, packing for a trip with my girlfriends & our families, and just the everyday life of entertaining a now 9-year old... I'm at a loss for words.  Or... not exactly at a loss for words, just a loss for time to write those words. 

Yesterday, was just one of my many busy days lately.  After spending too much time trying on outfits so I could decide what to pack, I ran on the treadmill & then we ran out the door to meet my girlfriend for lunch.  Lunch was fun & it was great to see her.  Not only did she bring me the sweetest & most fun birthday gifts, but she also brought an ADORABLE tote bag for Bryn for her birthday, too!  In fact, the photo above is a little notebook she gave me.  It'll be going on the trip with me so I can keep notes on the week, as well as sketches for page ideas while I'm gone.  Thank you again, Christa, you are too sweet.  Stephanie told us about a new store that "we HAD to go into" that was near the restaurant.  She said I'd love it.  Well... not only did I love it, I was overwhelmed with cuteness!  I've never heard of this store, so I guess it's new to our area, but since I did find the Charming Charlie website, it appears that it's a chain.  So, if you love inexpensive jewelry, clothes, shoes, handbags... you MUST go!  Everything in the store is organized by color... such a FUN place!  I picked up a few gifts, a pair of cheap sandals for the pool, a fun ring & watch, plus a couple things for Bryn.  I don't think my day would've felt nearly as busy, had I not spent an hour & a half in that store!  I'll just forewarn you on that before you enter. 

I have a list of things to finish up today & then it's time for some fun in the SUN!  There will be a lot of laughter going on in the next week.  I can guarantee that.  You better feel better SOON, Sal, we're on our way...